Thermal analysis can also be described as the measurement of heat transfer through structured mediums. Each subcategory of an analyzer measures different properties of a sample as its temperature is either heated or cooled. The temperature of the environment that the sample is within is controlled; how that temperature is controlled varies based on the device’s make and model.

A simple control method is increasing or decreasing the temperature at a constant rate, referred to as linear heating/cooling. The analysis is done by recording multiple measurements of the same material at different temperatures, also known as a stepwise isothermal measurement.

Having the rate of change in temperature oscillate or having the heating or cooling rate change in response to alteration in the sample would be two examples of other, more complicated, control techniques. These can also be referred to as modulated temperature thermal analysis and sample controlled thermal analysis, respectively.

Thermal analyzers are used in material science, pharmaceutical processes, polymer analysis, medical research, and quality assurance. Their ability to ascertain the physical qualities of a material in relation to changes in temperature makes them indispensable to these fields.

The analysis can also look at a dielectric material’s electrical discharge, a stressed sample’s mechanical relaxation, or any light or sound emissions, all in relation to changes in temperature.

Additionally, many of the thermal analysis methods covered below can be coupled with other analytical techniques such as gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, or microscopy in order to provide more accurate results.